Atlantic Slave Trade Overview

The Atlantic slave trade involved transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries. It was a key part of the triangular trade route, with the Portuguese initiating the trade. Slaves were considered cargo and used for labor in various industries. Over time, slavery became a racial caste system. Major trading nations included Portugal, Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Despite bans in the 19th century, illegal smuggling persisted. In the 21st century, some governments issued apologies for the trade.

What was the primary route used in the Atlantic slave trade?

• The Silk Road

• The Northwest Passage

• The Triangular Trade Route

• The Spice Route

Which regions were most of the enslaved people transported from?

• Eastern Africa

• Southern Africa

• Central and Western Africa

• Northern Africa

Which European country was the first to engage in the Atlantic slave trade?

• The British

• The French

• The Spanish

• The Portuguese

How were the first Africans classified when imported to the English colonies?

• As merchants

• As prisoners of war

• As free citizens

• As indentured servants

Which of the following was NOT a major Atlantic slave trading nation?

• The Portuguese

• The British

• The Italians

• The French

What was the role of a 'factor' in the slave trade?

• To manage plantations

• To oversee the construction of ships

• To expedite the shipping of slaves

• To negotiate with European governments

Approximately how many Africans were shipped across the Atlantic?

• 5 million

• 8 million

• 20 million

• 12 million

What was a significant factor in the decline of the transatlantic slave trade?

• The depletion of African resources

• The discovery of new trade routes

• The industrial revolution

• Government bans on the trade

In which century did various governments begin to ban the slave trade?

• 19th century

• 20th century

• 17th century

• 18th century

What action did several governments take in the early 21st century regarding the slave trade?

• They celebrated the trade

• They ignored the past

• They reinstated the trade

• They issued apologies